THE JUBILEE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 934, 24 January 1890, Page 9

THE JUBILEE.

“ We who stand in this country occupy an historical position of extraordinary interest. Before us lies a future already brilliant with the light of glorious morn. Behind us lies a night of fearful gloom, unillumined by the light of written records, of picture memorials, of aught which can give a certain idea of the past. A few stray streaks of light in the form of tradition, of oral poetry, and of carved records.are the only guides we have.”—Sir Georg© Grey’s address to the New Zealand Society, September 26, 1851. \

New Zealand completed on Wednesday the first stage in a career not uneventful, and full of promise. The patriotism thatimbues the minds of men who have been reared in the midst of traditions of greatness among the nations of the earth has ever been deeper, perhaps, among the British than among people of any other nationality, because there has always been an element of pride in their patriotic feeling, and something to be proud of. In the past England’s victories by land and by sea—in the present her great commerce and vast dominion —have tended to develop a spirit of pride and perseverance among her people and descendants wherever they may be. We in New Zealand have as yet had a young country our hands ; but such as it is we have made it. The first settlers who came to the Colony found it a wild country tenanted by a wild people, but they did not hesitate in their work. Steadily going on, now building, now clearing, now preparing to defend themselves and their families from attack by the Maoris, they persevered with indomitable courage—and succeeded. To-day the Colony stands a great monumental result of their labours. The Maori, with his fierce tribal ;wars, his mystic religious customs, and cannibalism, has vanished before the inevitable force of civilisation. The bush that clothed the hills and valleys has almost disappeared, giving place to towns, villages, stations, and farms. The beach where the Maori landed in his gay canoe is thronged now with people born of another race, who traffic on the high seas, who talk along wires, and whose railway trains speed over the cultivated plains that but a generation ago were swamp and ti-tree. The resources of a favoured land were unknown to the Native except in so far as they aided the cultivation of the kuinera and the production of the wood that was required for canoes and huts ; to the European they have yielded gold and grain, meat and wool, produce with which to supply the world.

Whether the 22nd of January or the 29th of January should be celebrated as the holiday is a question not easily answered. One could wish that some day would be definitely decided upon and universally adopted for the celebration of such an important era in our history as the 50th birthday of the Colony. But away up above such a question is the bright, undeniable fact that half a century’s settlement has been achieved, and more than half a century’s progress. We“have made some mistakes, perhaps, but they are in the irretrievable past. Let us then profit by the lessons that experience has taught and be wiser in the future. Large and clear there looms in front of New Zealand a career of especial success, if only her politicians and her people are true to

themselves. A healthful population, not English alone, hut culled from all nations who bad men and women stout-hearted enough to begin life afresh in a new country. The resources of the Colony have not as yet been fully tested, and niust be capable of * enormous development. What more could be asked ? Nothing but steady progress, unhampered by wild dreams of'impossible schemes or by efforts to force unnatural progress. That is what New Zealand wants ; and that is what we,ask her colonists to give her in the future.

PIONEERS OF SETTLEMENT. THE FIRST SETTLERS IN NEW ZEALAND. THEIR ADVENTURES IN A NEW LAND. Mr J« H. Wallace, to whom, as the historian of New Zealand, we applied for assistance, very generously placed valuable manuscripts at our disposal, from which interesting and reliable extracts are now made. The first seven vessels sent out by the New Zealand Company sailed and arrived in the following order : Tory, preliminary expedition ship, Captain Chaffers, B.N. ; sailed May 6, 1839 ; arrived August 16, 1839. Cuba, survey and store ship, Captain Newcombe ; sailed July 31, 1839; arrived January 3, 1840. Aurora, Captain T. Heale ; sailed September 18, 1839 ; arrived January 22, 1840. Oriental, Captain Wilson ; sailed September 15, 1839 ; arrived January 31, 1840. Adelaide, Captain W. Campbell (called at the Cape) ; sailed September 18, 1839 ; arrived March 7,1840. Duke of Roxburgh, Captain Thomson ; sailed September i 7, 1839; arrived February 7, 1840. (The above ships sailed from Gravesend). Bengal Merchant, Captain Emery ; sailed October 31, 1839 ; arrived March 2, 1840 (sailed from the Clyde). The vessels sailed under sealed orders —the destination New Zealand—bat to which port it was not known until their arrival in Cook’s Strait. Mr Wallace was a passenger by the Aurora, which, after a good passage, sighted land on January 16, 1840. Entered Port Hardy J anuary 17, ana arrived at Port Nicholson on Wednesday, the 22nd of Japuairy. “ At Port D’Urville (Mr Wallace vurites), to our great astonishment, "we were armed and mounted guard, and very - much -alarmed at what we imagined was a hostile move on the part of the warlike race/we were going to locate ourselves among. On January the 18th we observed a canoe under the land. Our imagination was excited, for we were not certain whether it was not a war canoe full of cannibals, and many of the passengers were contemplating the chances who would be the first to be cooked. , The sole occupant of the canoe, however, turned out to be an old Maori, with fish, potatoes, etc., with which he wished to trade with us. Another canoe came off with a few Natives, and in this way friendly relations between the two races were established at once.” The crew and passengers of the Aurora continued these friendly relations, and on the 22nd the Auora beat into Port Nicholson, where the barque Helena, Captain W. B. Rhodes, from Sydney, arrived on the same day. Both vessels anchored near Somes Island. Mr Richard Deighton, Mr Samuel Deighton and Mr Wallace were the first to land, opposite the Native village at Pitone. They strolled as far as the edge of the bush (then not very far off) and shot several pigeons. The great object of interest to them, however, was the chief Epuni, with his wife named Victoria by the Europeans) and Aena, his daughter. The chief received them royally, and the Maoris, crowding down to the beach, welcomed them also, with “ Kapai te pakeha 1 Tenakoe” (very good the white man. How do you do). The Europeans very soon pitched their tents, huts were built for them by the Natives : and the City of Britannia was founded. “ Our foundation,” Mr Wallace remarks, “ was not of the lasting material in which Rome was reared ; but as pioneers we indulged ourselves in the hope that we were laying the foundation of a young Empire in the Southern Hemisphere.” It may be mentioned that the Cuba was also in the harbour when the Aurora arrived, and the pioneer ship, the Tory, was on the coast. Soon after Mr Wallace’s arrival the flood, to which allusion is made by Mr McKenzie, happened, and he relates many amusing incidents which were caused thereby. Mr W. D. B. Mantell (now a member of the Legislative Council), for instance, was to be seen floating about the waters seated on a case and playing “ Home,-sweet home ” on an accordeon. Spite of the flood, the earthquake, and the fire at Cornish’s row, however, the settlers went on cheerfully with “ the heroic work of civilisation. ” When they were not employed building their houses, planting vegetables, and in other necessary work, there wasplenty of recreation handy. There were pigeons and ducks to be shot, and the harbour gave ample facility for boating excursions. Cricket and rifle matches were also played, and a “Pickwick Club” was formed at Pitone, with Mr William Lyon as president. The arrival of the

New Zealand Company’s ships, one after the other, made Britannia very lively with new-comers, who settled down without any very definite object. “Many were the ups and downs of these first settlers, located as they .were on land in which they had no interest, for Colonel Wakefield had not yet a legal footing in the country. The pioneers were “tenants at will,” and disappointment and annoyance was rife at a very early date. Colonel Wakefield experienced some obstruction from Sydney land speculators. The more respectable whalers favoured his views, while others of their class tried to frustrate them. But the most strenuous opposition encountered was from the Church missionaries, who despatched a vessel from the North (the seat of their operations) with one of their body for the purpose of warning the Natives against the New Zealand Land Company, and obtained a right of pre-emption before Colonel Wakefield could complete his negotiations for the purchase of land to supply the urgent wants of the great body of settlers daily landing at Port Nicholson. His colonising operations were very much interfered with, after protracted and deliberate negotiations with the chiefs of Cook Strait, influenced occasionally by the wayward passions of some of the more savage chiefs, the jealousies of Sydney land speculators, the whalers and missionaries, and antagonism of the mixed population of the North. The Colonel had a difficult task to perform to keep all parties quiet. At this time, also, emigration crimps from Sydney became plentiful, and a most undesirable class of edventurers began to assemble at Britannia. ”

Very soon, however, the site of the town was removed to Wellington, and Mr Wallace gives an interesting account of the early settlement. “ The great place of public resort was Barrett’s Hotel, erected by Dicky Barrett, an old whaler, who had been in the Colony for many years, and who, on the arrival of the Tory, acted as interpreter for Colonel Wakefield in his first negotiations with the Maoris. This building was one of “ Manning’s Houses ” brought out originally by Dr Evans, one of New Zealand’s celebrated pioneers. Here the chances of “ next ship” bringing a final settlement of all differences were discussed. A Masonic Lodge was formed, of which I acted as secretary and treasurer. A billiard room was opened, and public meeting and balls held. Endless attempts were made to entice our settlers —more especially the skilled labourers—away to other parts. This was a constant source of annoyance, and created’ much ill-feeling between Wellington and Auckland. Lieutenant-Governor Hobson, in order to create a populatiorrwheredie-.had fixed the seat of Government, adopted the practice of “crimping” the Company’s labourers, and the local papers did not hesitate to style'' him “Captain Crimp.” The settlers of Port Nicholson were greatly irritated by the following notice being posted all over the settlement Police Office, Port-Nicholson, November sth, 1840. Mechanics for the service of Government at Auckland will be engaged at the terms stated, viz. : Four carpenters, first rate ... . ... ... 9s Od per diem. Six carpenters, second rate ... ... ... 8s Od per diem. Six pairs of sawyers .;. 7s 6d per diem. Three bricklayers ... 7s 6d per diem. Two stone masons ... 7s 6d per diem. Sixpence per day extra if they find themselves with provisions. The riiechanics will be allowed one quarter of an acre of land to reside on whilst in the service of the Government at a peppercorn rent. Provisions will be supplied at cost prices. The wages to commence on arrival at Auckland. The engagement to be for six or twelve months, at the option of the Lieutenant-Governor.” (Signed) Michael Morphy, Chief Police Magistrate. ” The Port Nicholson settlers at once petitioned for Captain , Hobson’s recall. They appointed a Council to protect their interests, and., at a meeting held at Te Aro in July, 1840 (Colonel Wakefield in the chair), adopted the following address to the Governor :

“To his Excellency, Captain Hobson, of the Royal Navy. Lieutenant Governor of the Islands of New Zealand, &c., &c. “ Port Nicholson, Ist July, I^4o. “Sir, —We, the undersigned, inhabitants of the district of Port Nicholson, avail ourselves of the opportunity presented by the arrival of the Colonial Secretary, with sufficient means for the protection of life and property, to express to your Excellency those sentiments of respect for yourself and loyalty to the Crown, in which we yield to none other of Her Majesty’s subjects in these,islands. “The peculiar circumstances in which we were placed before the establishment here of British authority, and the false reports which have been made to your Excellency, and of which we have heard with equal surprise and indignation, render it necessary for us to be the more explicit in our declaration of attachment to the Crown and Constitution of England, and to assure your Excellency that we took no steps but such as we thought consistent with our allegiance as British subjects, and justified by the necessity of the case. “That such were our real feelings, and that our arrangements for the preservation of order were adopted by us as merely temporary and provisional, is proved by the acclamation with which the British flag was welcomed, as wei! as by the cordial support which has be9n rendered by all classes to the Colonial Secretary and the Magistrate, of which they themselves are the mo3t competent witnesses.' “We might add that in planning the surveys of our future town, we had, as far as possibly anticipated the wants of the Gbvern-

ment, and set apart the most valuable sections of land for the convenience of the Public Offices and the personal accommodation of your Excellency, feeling assured, as we d", that sooner or later this must become the seat of Government for these islands. “Should that prove the case, your Excellency mav rest assured that you would be welcomed here by the largest body of her Majesty’s subjects in New Zealand, unanimous in their loyalty, and desirous of promoting by • every means in their power the comfort of your private life, as well as the authority and dignity of your public administrations. We have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient humble servants,’’ etc, etc. The adoption of this address was moved by Dr Evans and seconded by Mr F. A. Molesworth. On the motion of Mr Samuel Revans, Colonel Wakefield was authorised to convey the address to the Governor, and on the motion of Mr George Hunter, senior, seconded by Mr H. St Hill, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Colonel Wakefield for the vigilance with which he had presided over the affairs of the Colony previous to the establishment of British rule. Under Hobson’s successor, Captain Fitzroy, things were little better, and it was not until Sir George Grey arrived, and mastered the savage coastNativesand made the land difficulty easier of settlement, that the people began to feel secure in their new homes, and able to cany on the great work of civilisation to which they had set themselnes.

THE FOUNDATION OF WELLINGTON.

INTERVIEW WITH MR T. W. M'KENZIE. Mr T. W. McKenzie, a gentleman so well known in Wellington and the Colony as to need no introduction here, was one of the earliest arrivals in New Zealand, having been a passenger as a hoy by the New Zealand Company’s ship Adelaide. With a view to gaining a little information about Wellington in its extreme infancy, a New Zealand Times reporter waited on Mr McKenzie and “interviewed” him on the subject. “ The first settlers, as you know,” said Mr McKenzie, “were landed at Pitone (Britannia it was called then), and had their settlement in the lower part of the Hutt valley. After a time however, the landholders held a meeting at which they came to the conclusion that Pitone was not the best place they could have, because .the beach was terribly exposed to the south-easters, and it was difficult, not to say dangerous, lo land cargo and passengers. Accordingly they determined that they would have the township at what was called “ th® head of the hay,” and Captain Smith, the principal surveyor, came over here with a staff to survey it, having his offices just at the beginning of Molesworth-street. (Previously, I might tell you he had surveyed the township at the Hutt, running from the Korokoro stream across to the Waiwetu.) The township he surveyed here was in Lambton Harbour, a little bay running from McDowell’s corner (where there was a peak called Clay point) down to Kumutoto, a Maori pah standing about where Woodward-street is now. At that time there was little clear land anywhere about except the Thorndon Flat, which was not very large. The bush ran nearly down to the water’s edge along Lamb on, though there was a Maori clearing used as a potato garden, up on the terrace. Otherwise those hills were covered with bush away hack to Karori and Makara, and where Tinakori - road is now was a dense forest. There were then I four Maori pahs in Port Nicholson—the Te Aro pah, extending from Mr Rhodes’ place in Manners-street along past the foot of Taranaki-street : Kumutoto, at the foot of Woodward-street ; Pipitea, at Pipitea Point; and Te Akewai, which was, as near as I can fix it ' now, about where Mr C. B. Izard lives. These pahs were all strongly fortified, and the occupants were always prepared for any attack that might be made on them by Rauparaha or Rangihaeata, or any other hostile Natives—for : they were not on the best of terms, I can assure you. Natives lived at Kaiwliara and Ngauranga, but the principal pah, however, was at Pitone, where Eputii lived. Well, we came and established ourselves in Lambtonharbour, having cut down the bush to enable us to do so ; and there we were, as you will see by this picture. [The said picture being a drawing by Major Heaphy of Wellington in 1841. The New Zealand flag is hoisted at Clay-point, where Colonel Wakefield is to he seen standing with Epuni and another Native. The identical flag—four white stars on a blue and red ground —is in the possession of Mr C. H. Gillespie (the wellknown hotelkeeper, of Tinakori-road). Below them, extending along the beach to Pipitea, is the township—a few straggling houses —among which the premises of Messrs Bethune and Hunter and Barrett’s Hotel, the old Government Printing Office, are conspicuous. The hills immediately behind are clothed in bush, of course.] Te Aro flat was then covered with flax and swamp—and very deep swamp, too. The surveyors, in crossing it, had to jump from tussock to tussock, and if a man missed his footing he went up to his armpits. Several bullocks were lost in that way. Long afterward it was impossible to cross the flat—you must either skirt the beach or go higher up and cross above the Basin Reserve. The first hotel, if I remember right, was 4 The Red House,’ kept by one Geordie Young, about where Dr Fell’s surgery in Willisatreet is now.”

No doubt it will he interesting to you to

know why the streets in the city are generally narrow. When the first settlers came out to New Zealand every person who got a land order for 100 acres (at LI per acre) was entitled to a town acre, and in this way 1100 town acres in Wellington were allotted, 1000 for the landhoJders and the other 100 reserved for the Natives, the Town Belt, and so on. In this way most of the land was disposed of, without due provision being made fwr streets and reserves. When Sir George Grey came to the Colony as Governor he made what was called “ Grey’s reclamation,” from Old Customhouse-street down to Mr Pearce’s old place. Thence it was taken by the Provincial Council down beyond Grey-street; and the reclamation after that is recent enough to need no history. Mr McKenzie has the honour of being the first and the oldest printer in New Zealand. When Mr Samuel Revans, who lately died in the Wairarapa, started the N.Z. Gazette (demy) at Wellington, Mr McKenzie was his first apprentice, and subsequently was himself proprietor of Wellington papers. “ The timber for the printing office,” he said, “wa< landed at Te Aro from the Hutt, and was one of what were called Manning’s houses. That is to say, it was one of a great many portable houses that were brought out from Englaud. We had a good deal of trouble in landing it, for as fast as we got the timber ashore the Natives pushed it hack. However, we got it landed at last and started our paper. Previously we had published the paper at Pitone beach ; and in Wellington our office was on Te Aro beach, where Captain Rhodes’ office is standing still. The reporter timidly asked Mr McKenzie whether he knew anything about earthquakes. “Oh yes, I’ve felt a good many earthquakes,” was his reply. I remember the first one happened just after we landed. The weather was beautiful when we arrived, and we thought., it would always be very mild. Many of us built very slight houses, roofing them over with flax, which dried in the sun. We thought ourselves pretty secure then ; but down came a heavy rain, and the water came through as it would through a sieve. A night or two afterward we had our first earthquake. The minute the tremor began, we, not knowing what was the matter, made sure the Maoris were coming down on us, and that they were shaking the houses, and arming ourselves hurriedly we ivent out to stand the attack. Very soon after that again we had a big fire, which destroyed what was known as Cornish’s row, at the Hutt. Eighteen or twenty houses (principally built of rushes) were burned down there. The next event was a flood. All the “ Oriental” people were living at the Hutt, and they were flooded out. Mr Duppa, who was living out there also, kept a lot of things in a tent in the valley, and he had to go to that tent in a whaleboat to get his traps out. There was a severe shock also in 1848. The great earthquake was in 1855. There was a project then to form the Basin Reserve (where it is now), and have a canal leading up tp it along what is now called Cambridge - terrace. The big shakes, however, disturbed all the swamp until it burst; and on one fine morning we woke up to see our basin reserve—trees, grass, flax, and so on—floating about in the harbour. The land was thus made useful for building purposes, because it was drained ; and the canal project was abandoned. Mr McKenzie laid stress upon the friendliness of the Natives in Port Nicholson and at the Hutt. In Wellington they were always friendly, and Epuni, the great chief at the Hutt was the best friend the Europeans had. “ Once, about 1845, there was a plot by Rauparaha, Rangihaeata, and Hiko to sack Wellington, and Epuni was invited to join in it. He refused at once. Then lie came into town, and not only gaveinformation to Colonel Wakefield of the projected attack, but assisted us to build forts, one at Te Aro, where the New Zealander Hotel is now, and another down on the Thorndon flat is now. The Te Aro fort was for the women and children to go into. However, Rauparaha thought better of it, and we were never attacked.” Finally Mr McKenzie spoke of the excellent feeling that pervaded the whole community in the early days. The people were sociable and order prevailed everywhere. They did not need to lock their doors at night, because there was no one to steal. J Things are a little different uow.

RAUPARAHA AND RANGIHAEATA. THE MAORI DIFFICULTIES. Standing forth erect, alone, High above his fellows known History paints what he hath done, Maori valou’rs bravest son. Te Rauparaha ! Te Rauparaha ! (Bracken.) Apart from the Europeans who took a great share in establishing and developing this province, no name is more notable than that of Rauparaha, the Ngatitoa chief. He was a giant in the days when Maori giants roamed the earth. Wiremu Kingi, Te Whero Where, Rewi, Walca Nene, Patuone, and To Heu He a. Different accounts are given of the reasons which prompted Rauparaha to leave his ancestral home at Kavvhia and become a sort of New Zealand Alexander, but the more probable story is that he wished to found a new Empire for himself on the shores of Cook Straits, where he oould buy firearms and be-

come more powerful than he was likely to he if he remained in a country where the great Ngapuhi and Waikatos lived. However that may be, in 1817, he agreed to join Patuone and Weka Nene in & filibustering expedition. Coming along the coast they conquered the country to Cape Terawhiti, chasing the defeated Natives to Porongohau. Many of them also fled to the South Island. Returning again to Cook Strait

(Raukawa) Rauparaha combined « jtk the Ngatiapa at Rangibikei (with whom he had always kept on good terms) and established himself on the coast in the vicinity of Waikanae, Otaki, and what is now called Plimmerton. Pie brought with him members of the powerful Ngatiawa and Ngatiraukawa tribes, and there lie was a great power. Whaling was carried on in the Straits in those days, and Rauparaha, with Kapiti as his seaport, was a sort of lord of the land, bartering flax, etc., for firearms, and occasionally sallying forth on predatory expeditions to the South Island, where, one one < ccasion, he literally massacred large numbers of unfortunate Natives at the Kaikouras. Himself a warlike man, Rauparaha was a born politician. 44 Can you fathom the thought of Rauparaha ?” was the Maoris’ test of a man’s keenness of observation ; and Rusden says that Bishop Hadfield told him that “he could not but reflect as he saw how the old man guided the movements of the tribes and weighed the consequences of events, hut there was before him a man equal in sagacity and eloquence to such personages as Tallyrand or Metternich.” When Colonel Wakefield came to Wellington Rauparaha refused to go and consult with him. Mr E. J. Wakefield, who was endeavouring to bring about a meeting, said—“ The white men will creep on and get their right at last.” “Then we will fight about it,” screamed the old chief. “ It must he one for one till either the Maori or the Pakcha is exhausted.” Meanwhile, however, he was cautious how he began this “survival of the fittest” strife. His men committed no violence on the persons of Europeans. They simply pulled down any building that was put up on Maori or disputed land. They denied Colonel Wakefield’s titles, and called upon him to complete those titles or leave the land alone. In 1841 Rauparaha was living at Kapiti, an old man, but cunning and strong-minded as ever. Colonel Wakefield’s people wished to open up Porirua, then almost a forest, but they were obstructed by Rauparaha’s men under. his nephew, Rangihaeata. This Rangiheata was a perfect aboriginal, lacking his uncle’s sagacity, but equalling him in courage, and excelling him in desperation, This was the man who, during 1841 and 1842, pulled down all the build.-. ings that were put up in that district,, j At this time, while these matters were in dispute, the Crown Prosecutor for the Port Nicholson district (Mr R, D. Hanson, subsequently Chief Justice of South Australia) is said to have expressed an opinion that the New Zealand Company had no right to much of the land they were selling, and that nothing shoi’t of an Act of Parliament could divest the Natives of their title, and even then only with adequate compensation. He also asserted that the Te Aro Natives had not signed the deed of sale. Colonel Wakefield, on behalf of the Company, maintained the legality of his acquisition, and there the thing stood—a. subject for endless and weary communication between colonial authorities and persons interested and the Imperial Government. Pitone, it may be explained, was bought from Epuni quite regularly. In February, 1843, Lord Stanley informed the Company that “he would not admit that any person or any Government acting in the name of Her Majesty could contract a legal, moral, or honorary obligation to despoil others of their lawful and equitable rights.” Colonel Wakefield had previously maintained that the negotiations with the Natives were conducted “in a spirit of justness and openness unexampled,” and he objected to Mr Spain’s protracted inquiries into the titles as calculated to have a harmful effect upon the Company through the Natives. There was a difficulty, also, about the Wairau, which Rauparaha claimed, and the survey of which he vowed to prevent. Learning that the survey was about to be made, he crossed the Straits and waited for the surveyors, who arrived in May, 1843. Mr Tuckett, a Nelson surveyor, found on his arrival that the Natives had burned the surveyors’ hut on the ground that it was built of material taken from Rauparaha’s land. Thereupon a warrant for the apprehension of Rauparaha and Rangihaeata, on a charge of arson, was issued from Nelson. Captain Wakefield and Mr Thompson (magistrate at Nelson), with a small party, went to execute the warrant, but Rauparaha resisted. An altercation took place, and the white men were repulsed, Captain Wakefield and another gentleman being killed—it is said by Rangihaeata, in revenge for the death of his wife (Rauparaha’s daughter) who was shot during the melee. As might have been expected, the news of this encounter created a profound sensation in Wellington, whence it was brought by Mr Tuckett. Steps were at once taken to secure the release of any men who might be wounded or held prisoners ; and the body of Cap tarn Wakefield was recovered, Rauparaha having given permission for it to be buried. Rauparaha himself returned to Otaki, where he was notified that the-people of Wel-

lington would take no revengeful steps, but would refer the whole matter to the Government. This decision was arrived at by a meeting of Wellington magis rates, which deputed Dr Evans to go to Auckland and represent the facts to Acting-Governor Shortland. This functionary condemned the effort to arrest the Maori chief, but sent a small number of soldiers to Wellington to assist in maintaining a respectful peace. And indeed it was only the mediation of Wiremu Kingi, then living at Waikanae, that saved Wellington from a great slaughter, and probably destruction. Returning from his Wairau expedition, Rauparaha found his people inclined to be cold toward him. The old man gathered them together and literally overpowered them with his eloquence andfervour. 44 If they can enslave me,” he said, “ they think they can degrade the whole Maori race.” Next morning he addressed them again, “Come forward

and sweep them from the land which they have striven to bedew with our blood,” he said. Thus did the deepschemii'g chief interpose a bulwark between the English Government and himself. His people were ready enough to march on Wellington, but were eventually restrained by Bishop Hadfield and Wiremu Kingi. Stillßauparaliahada fighting mood upon him, and the people of Wellington formed a militia of their own, and drilled regularly so as t > be ready for every emergency. In July, 1843, the ActingGovernor gave his decision, which, was against the Company on the question of title, because, subject to investigation by a Commissioner, the Company had foregone their title to lands in dispute. He assured them, however, that every justice should be done with respect to the crime that had been committed. Sir Everai’d Home, visiting Wellington in H.M.S. “North Star’ in September, 1844, found the inhabitants in daily fear of an attack from Porirua, hut Sir Everard, after meeting Rauparaha at Kapiti, believed it was quite a false alarm. A month later lie was given a warrant, issued at Nelson, fof. the arrest of Rauparaha and Rangihaeata on a charge of murder, hut he refused to execute it, denying that he was bound tr enforce the act of two magistrates. The people of Wellington had a different opinion of Rauparaha’s intentions to that held by Sir Everard Horne, and about the same time through Mr (now Sir William) Fitzherbert, they appealed to the Governor to settle the land question Shortland refused to do so unless further compensation was giveii to meet Mr Spain’s award. In December, 1843, Captain Fitzroy, who had been appointed Governor, arrived in New Zealand, and he came to Wellington in January of the following year ; and once again negotiations were opened and communications made with the Home Government, the Company (for whom Mr Wm. Fox was now agent) and the Natives. Eventually, after visiting Rauparaha at Waikanae, the Governor said he would not avenge the Wairau murder. He also settled the dispute with the Te Aro Natives, whom he persuaded to take a certain sum in full settlement. All pahs, burial places, cultivations, and Native reserves were secured to the Natives, and the site of Wellington •was purchased with a further payment of LISOO.

It may be as well here to briefly sketch the terms of Colonel Wakefield’s dealings on behalf of the New Zealand Company. The Company was formed in 1839, Lord Durham being Governor, and Mr Joseph Somes Deputy-Governor. The Company were to acquire land in New Zealand and sell it in allotments ; and in August, 1839, the Tory, their first ship, anchored in Queen Charlotte Sound, having on board Colonel and Mr E. J. Wakefield, brother and son respectively of the promoter of the Company, Mr Gibbon Wakefield. Retaining a man named Barrett (who was picked up at Terawhiti) as interpreter, Colonel Wakefield came on to Port Nicholson, and completed a purchase with Waripori, the New Zealand flag being hoisted on the 30th of September. He then went on to Kapiti to treat with Rauparaha, who agreed bo sell him, for muskets, powder, and articles of glittering appearance to the savage eye, but of little value, all the Ngatitoa rights on both sides of the Strait, exempting Kapiti. On the 24th and 25bh of October Rauparaha and other chiefs were said to have signed deeds, giving the Company all tlieir interest in land extending from the 38th to the 43rd degree of latitude on the western coast, and from the 41st to the 43rd on the eastern. They also obtained signatures of the Ngatiawa chiefs to a sale of land which included Port Nicholson, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Rangitikei, and the West Coast up to the Mokau, including Wanganui and Waitotara. It is said that the Ngatiawa thought they were only selling Port Nicholson. Let that he as it may, Rauparaha and the other Natives repudiated this bargain very unceremoniously. The Company appealed to the Home Government to enforce their claims, and the Government, as has been seen, refused to do so until due investigation had been made and a legal settlement arrived at. On the 22nd of January, 1840, the Aurora arrived in Port Nicholson and landed the Company’s first immigrants at Pitone. The Natives there welcomed them, and the people who settled in the Hutt valley were, in that respect, lucky, though they had many perils to encounter, as will he seen later on. Pitone (or “ Pi-to one,” the end of

the beach) was at that time called Britannia, and the idea was to form the settlement there, but the anchorage was so bad, and the place so exposed, that it was found advisable to change the site to where Wellington stands now, and to which the name of Lambton Harbour was given. The proceedings of the Hew Zealand Company were viewed with a good deal of alarm by the English Government, and shortly after Colonel Wakefield’s departure Captain Hobson was sent ont empowered to acquire Hew Zealand and annex it as a dependency of Hew South Wales. Proceeding first to' Sydney, he came on to the Bay of Islands, arriving there on the 29th of Jauuaiy, 1840, with Mr Willoughby Shortland, R.N. (afterward Acting-Governor) to be Colonial Secretary. His force consisted of several officials and six policemen. On the 6th of February, 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by 46 chiefs, and on the 21st of May, when about 500 signatures had been received, the sovereignty of the Queen over Hew Zealand was proclaimed. The new Governor (Captain Hobson, of course) and Colonel Wakefield worked together in anything but a friendly manner, for they were almost like rivals ; and as Mr Shortland, who followed Captain Hobson, evinced much the same spirit it will be seen that there was little possibility of justice being expeditiously done either to the Company or the Natives. The Company had perhaps even greater difficulties with the Hatives at Taranaki, where Mr Spain awarded them (the Company) 60,000 acres, and thus prompted a war. The Commissioner found that the Company was not entitled to a Crown grant of any land at Porirua, and he gave them 100 acres in the Manawatu. Meanwhile the Wellington settlers, far removed from the' seat of Government at Kororareka (now called Russell), had formed a sort of Government of their own, in spite of an interdict from Captain Hobson. In 1840 Lord John Russell, then Secretary of State for the Colonies, formally recognised the Hew Zealand Company and arranged with the London directors that they should co-operate with the Government in Hew Zealand in advancing settlement. On the 16th of Hovember of the same year Hew Zealand was freed from dependence on Hew South Wales, and created a separate Colony. An incident which occurred about this time showed the loyal feeling which pervaded the settlers at Wellington. The captain of the schooner Integrity was brought before the Government in this port, charged with a breach of charter. He refused to recognise the Government, and escaped to Kororareka, where he laid a complaint against the Wellington authorities. Captain Hobson sent Lieutenant Shortland, with 30 men, to put down this self-constituted Government ; • but the settlers at Port Hicholson, instead of showing .fight, welcomed the arrival of authority with cheers. An outline of the most notable events in our history up to Governor Fitzroy’s parting with Rauparaha at Waikanae has already been given. Governor Fitzroy’s rule was not a popular one, and during the latter part of 1844 petitions for his recall were largely signed. In consequence, and on account of his having created a new currency by an ordinance making his debentures legal tender, he was recalled in May, 1845, and Captain (now Sir) George Grey appointed in his stead. Captain Fitzroy is said to have “ lost Kororareka (which was sacked by Heke), but saved Hew Zealand.” Heke, whose war had then lasted some time, found in Grey an experienced and resolute opponent. . “ Those who are not for us are against us,” said the Governor when he refused to treat with Heke and Kawiti, but called upon them to sue for pardon. Having made peace with these two warriors, Governor Grey sailed for Wellington in H.M.S. Castor in February, 1846, accompanied by M.H.S. Calliope and Driver. He found this district in a very troublous condition. The old difficulty about land in the vicinity of Port Hicholson was still in existence, and hos tile natives in the Hutt valley gave settlers there a great deal of anxiety. Rauparaha, Wiremu Kingi and other leading chiefs sent the Governor a letter welcoming him, and asking him to appoint some one to administer the laws fairly between the Maori and the European. The Governor replied expressing his willingness to assist in meting out justice to both sides, and inviting the chiefs to meet him. The Hatives generally appeared to have a wholesome fear of the new Governor; those at the Hutt went back to, the hills, and for a time all was quiet. Presently, however, the Hatives began to make predatory excursions into the valley, robbing the settlers and destroying their property. The Governor at once-posted 500 troops, 75 Hative armed police, and 25 colonial militia in Port Hicholson, the Hutt and Porirua, and in that way almost confined the Hatives to the forest on the hills around Porirua. He also employed soldiers and Hatives making roads. In April 1846, an old man named [Gillespie and his son were tomahawked at the Hutt, and Rauparaha, being applied to, offered to give up the murderers if a force was sent to take them. The Hatives, however, refused to surrender the men, who were taken under the protection of Rangihaatea, as fierce and bold as ever. was now intrenched in a-very strong position somewhere —they could not find exactly where —at the rear of Pauatahanui. Thence he used to swoop down on to. the settlers in the Hutt valley, and so far he had defied

; all efforts to discover and assault his pah. ! Rauparaha was living at a pah close j to the sea, and when, after the murj der of Gillespie, the Governor went I out to Porirua, the old chief was I the first to meet him with protestations of friendliness and goodwill. _ A month later a number of Hatives attacked fifty soldiers at Boulcott’s farm !at the Hutt, and, after a sharp engagej ment, were repulsed, but not until six of the soldiers had been killed. This action was made memorable by the rare courage j shown by a bugler boy named Allen. Having had his right arm almost struck off by a blow from a tomahawk, the lad took the bugle in his left hand to blow it and arouse bis sleeping comrades. Ashe did so he was struck dead. A settler named Bush was also murdered at the Tlutt, and the Governor was urged to a war of extermination against the Maoris. For the time, however, he refused, preferring to occupy the country and gradually hem the / enemy in. When, however, Rangihaeata, emboldened by his success, tapued the road aloug which friendly Hatives used to bring food to the troops, Captain Grey saw that the time had come for stern steps. How Rangihaeata was driven out of Pauatahanui and Rauparaha taken prisoner, forms a notable chapter in Hew Zealand history, and the story is related here as Sir George Grey told it to the writer. With a view to discovering the whereabouts of the hostile Maoris, the Governor selected two men—Lieutenant Yelverton, of the Royal Artillery, and Midshipman Killop (afterward McKillop Pasha) to make a search in the bush. At night they were rowed up to the head of the little bay, and, landing, proceeded in their quest. After many hours spent in fuitless search they were about to return,.when they heard dogs barking ; and proceeding in the direction whence the sounds came, they found the pah itself. Returning slowly, so as to give them time to mark the route, they informed the Governor that they had discovered the pah. Even then it was considered dangerous to move forward to the attack, lest Rauparaha should set on the party from the rear. The Governor was in a tight place. Meanwhile Rangihaeata’s men continued their ravages, and eventually the Governor decided on a bold step, which was neither more nor less than the capture of Rauparaha. The Driver, with the Governor on board, and carrying';l2B soldiers, steamed past Porirua one fine evening, apparently on her way to theHorth ; but she turned back during the night, and at early morning Midshipman McKillop wioh a party of sailors took the old man out of his bed and brought him and several other chiefs prisoners to the vessel. Once on board Rauparaha was sternly taxed by the Governor with treachery, and with prompting Rangihaeata’s ravages while he professed friendliness to the Europeans. Finally Captain Grey gave him his choice —he might be tried for treasonable conduct or kept a prisoner during the Governor’s pleasure. Rauparaha did not hesitate—he would be kept a prisoner. Having secured Rauparaha the Governor’s next move was to assail Rangihaeata in his bush stronghold. There was no time to lose, for hostile Hatives were on their way from Wanganui. But Rangihaeata was no fool ; and when the storming party reached the pah he was not at home. He had retreated into the Horokiwi valley. The troops occupied the Pauatahanui pah, and presently moved on Rangihaeata’s Horokiwi position. Aided by Wi Kingi’s Hatives the troops dislodged the old savage in August, 1846, and drove him far along the ranges. But Rangihaeata was a great soldier. In the first outbreak of grief at the capture of Rauparaha he composed a lament which has been translated by Mr Alfred Domett:

“ But Porirua’s forest dense ; Ah, thou would’st never stir from thence. There, saidst thou, lies my best defence. Now, now, of such design ill-starred, How grieviously thou reap’st the full reward.’’ He then goes on to declare his vengeance — “Now I must marshal, in compact array, Great thoughts, that crowding come of an avenging day.” He went off posthaste to the Waikato, and returned to Kapiti in April, 1847, to take some 501bs of powder, with which he departed. On the same day Mrs Gilfillan and four of her children were murdered at Wanganui, but it was asserted that there was no connection between that event and Rangihaeata’s landing at Kapiti. The murderers were captured by friendly Natives, tried, and four of them hanged. Angered at this, the Wanganuis attacked the township, but were repulsed by Captain Laye. The Governor arrived very quickly with reinforcements, and the Maoris came to terms very shortly. Rauparaha, after being held prisoner for a few months, was sent back to Waikanae, where his people made much of him. He died in 1849. Of Rangihaeata we hear little more, for he, too, got tired of war, and eventually accepted Christianity. Stouthearted, resolute, and unscrupulous, he was a great type of his race. After peace had been made he met Governor Grey at Otaki. “I an not tired of war,” he said, “ but there are no wars now. The men fight with their tongues like women. I am a Maori. I want nothing of the white men. I wear none of their work.” And, as he spoke, he stood befoi’e the Governor as haughty as ever—an old man, erect and sturdy still, with feathers in his hair, and a dogskin mat thrown over him. The

Governor smilingly pointed to a peacock’s feather in Rangihaeata’s hair, and asked whether that was Maori. “Ah, that is pakeha,” said the chief angrily, and he tore the feather out and stamped on / it. With these two worthies ends a notable (chapter in the history, not only of Wellington, but of the Colony. It would be unjust to neglect to give credit to Epuni, the Hutt chief, for his services to the white people. The Europeans found in him a brave and constant ally, invaluable when, during Rangihaeata’s time, Major Richmond Avas preparing to defend Wellington from a suspected attack on the town. The old man sleeps now on the beach at Pit-one, where a monument marks the European’s respect for his memory. Had it not been for him the New Zealand Company’s settlers would .have had little chance of succeeding, and as it Avas ho assisted them to stave off danger until later legislation and greater influence over the Maoris made it easier to deal with the Hatives. THE FIRST AHHIVERSARY. THE FESTIVITIES of ’FORTY OHE. Under the heading “ Celebration of the arrival of the first settlers,” the Hew Zealand Gazette of June 30, 1841, gives the following account of the anniversary celebrations : As Ave announced in our last, the two fetes to celebrate the arrival of the first settlers in Port Hicholson Avere postponed in consequence of the state of the weather, but in defiance of the bad Aveatlier the ball at Barrett’s still took place, was numerously attended and ga\ T e general satisfaction. Saturday proAung a fine day, the “ select ” rowing match came off’. Four boats entered ; but some misunderstanding having arisen in the second boat, she gave up before half the distance had been performed, and the interest in the race Avas thereby considerably lessened. “Black Hose,” belonging to Dr Relph, Avas the Avinner. An accident occurring to Mr Duppa’s boat, the sailing match did not come off. The “ popular ” fete took place on Monday, at Te Aro, head of the bay. The morning broke very unfortunately Avith a strong south-east breeze, but tlie “weather-wise” prognosticated a fa Amurable change as the day advanced, and they were not mistaken. By 10 o’clock all Avas in active state of preparation. Flags Avere waving over several houses at the head of the bay ; and over the room fitted up for the ball a large Avhite banner, Avith the words “ Popular Fete” inscribed, gave token that the amusement of the fairer portion of the creation had not been forgotten. Shortly after 12 o clock the four folloAving whale boats took their respective stations for the roAving match :—Cuba, Kangaroo, Thistle, and Flying Pieman. On a signal given, they Avent off together in beautiful style, to pull round all the shipping in harbour. Kangaroo took the lead, pressed closely by Cuba, and kept it until rounding tlie stern of the Lord Sidmouth, when Cuba shot ahead ; Kangaroo second and the others folloAved at a respective distance. The race now began to excice great interest from the well-knoAvn capabilities of both crews. Kangaroo pressed her opponent hard, and for a long time it was doubtful to Avhom the palm of victory would be awarded. Cuba, however, succeeded in maintaining her position, and Kangaroo made a good second, coming in about a minute after her opponent. The two other boats Avere nowhere. The arrangements of Captain Chaffers and Captain Rhodes gave general satisfaction. The Hurdle Race followed. Prize, a purse of L1515s given by the members of the Pickwick Club of Hew Zealand. Four horses started. Calmuck Tartar rode by Hon. AY. Petre ; Currency Lass, rode by Mr George AVade ; Black Billy, rode by Mr AVatt ; and Sulky, rode by Captain Hodges. A good race, and Avon in gallant style by the Hon. H. Petre. The sailing match Avas won by Mr Duppa’s schooner-rigged boat, of about ten tons burden. Three others started—Mr George Young’s cutter ; Captain ShuttleAvortli’s cutter; and the Sand Fly. The latter, although coming in first, was precluded from carrying off the prize, as she Avas nearly a foot longer in keel than allowed by the regulations. At starting Young’s cutter, with a fair Avind, outstripped her opponents considerably, but in beating back lost ground, and only claimed the second place. Captain Shuttleworth’3 cutter evidently had no chance. The rifle match—prize L 5, Avith entrances added—was Avon by Mr George Crawford, of Pitone. Ten riflemen entered. The sports of the day were diversified by jumping in sacks, Avlieeling barrows blindfold, climbing a greasy pole, etc., etc. All passed off in capital style. A ball in the evening, which was very numerously attended, concluded the amusements. The Hatives on this occasion Avere not forgotten. Ample supplies of rice Avere prepared for them, and a further reward was offered as an inducement to try their skill in canoe racing. We are, liowcmer, gfven to understand that they were forbidden to engage in such sports. If this be true (and we Avould f-dv hope : t is not) upon Avhat ground, holy or unholy, is such a command upon the half-educated Hew Zealander. It has been remarked that “a little knoAvledge is a dangerous

thing,” and it is the Avorst of cruelty to. | work upon the early prejudices of these poor savages, Avho as yet are only gifted with a “very little knowledge.” We hope, hoAvever, that this matter Avill be satisfactorily explained. THE FIRST BANK. By the ship Glenbervie, which arrived in -1849, the iron safe and other necessary materials for the establishing of the first bank (a branch of the Union Bank of Australia) were landed. The first manager, Mr John Smith, Avas called by the Hatives “Johnny Box,” because he had charge of the strong box. SPORT IH THE EARLY DAYS. Rural sports, Avhaleboat and canoe races, cricket, football, and occasional race meetings at Burnham AVa er (at Miramar) formed the principal sporting amusements of early AVellington. Boaving Avas a pastime greatly favoured, and a crew representing the AVellington Independent achieved great things on the waters of Port Hicholson. It was not until comparatively recent times that inriggers and outriggers became the fashion. The famous Dolly Varden creAv (comprising at different times Messrs AV. Hearn, J. McGrath, AV. AValker, H. Woods, and M. Moore) won many notable victories for AVellington in 1876-78. Cricket was established as the favourite pastime at a very early date, and Avas played Avith much zest on a little flat about where St Patrick’s College stands now. Another convincing ground Avas Clapham’s paddock, at the foot of the Tinakori-road ; and later on the Albion Flat, the square bounded noAV by Tory and Vivian-streets, Courtenay- place, and Cambridge - terrace, Avas the scene of many a desperate game. Football appears to have been played first on the same ground. The earliest match on record was one between civilians and a team representing 'the 18th Royal Irish. In 1870 the first representative match Avas played, our antagonists being a Nelson team. The players on that occasion were— AVellington—lsherwood, Ollivier, Beetham, Park, Nation, Beale, Crampton, Travers, Baker, Hoggard, Vivian, Macara and Prosser. Nelson—Drew, Tennant, Butt, Clark, Adams, Barnes, Cross, Otterson, Hill, Blundell, Williamson, Monro, AV. and T. Hicholson. Nelson Avon by two goals to nil, the match being played at the Hutt.

WELLINGTON. AVellington was constituted a borough (a Town Board having previously been I. !ha governing body) on September 28, 1870. The first Mayor and Councillors were : —Mayor, Mr J. Drunsfield ; Councillors, Messrs C. B. Borlase, E. W. Mills, John Pfimmer, Lewis Moss, AV. Miller, D. Runic, R H. Cirpenter, M. Quin. The Corporation offices were above the Trust and Loan Company’s offices, Lambfcon-quay. BECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE.

VALUATIONS AND REVENUE. £ £ 1870 ... 71,980 ... 3,599 1890-91... 312,928 ... 41,700 The rate in 1870 was a general one. The figures given for 1890 91 are for general purposes. In addition the valuation for water rate for the same period was L 285.690. In 1841 there were about 40 burgesses on the roll. The number last year wa3 3526. The Mayor was elected by the Council until 1874, in which year the Mayor of Wellington Act came into force, and the Chief Magistrate of the city was thenceforth elected by the burgesses. Following is a list of Mayors of Wellington : J. Dransfield ... ... 1870 72 0. B. Borlase (dead) ... 1872 W. H. Moorhouse (dead) 1874 AV. Hutchison ... 1875-76 J. Dransfield 1877-78 AV. Hutchison 1879 80 G. Fisher 1881-84 A. W. Brown ... ... 1885 S. Brown ... ... 1886-87 J Duthie ... ... 1888 C. J. Johnston 3 889 Mr J. Ames (City Valuer) is the only officer now on the Corporation staff who was also in its service in 1870. The city was lighted by electricity June, 1889. The population of AVellington city at last census (1886) Avas 25,945. queen’s AVHARF. The first pile of the Queen’s Wharf was driven January, 1862. “ In accordance with permission of the Provincial Government the City Council in 31878 carried out three extensions, two on. the outer tee, and one on the middle tee ; and also widened the body. In October, 1881, the Harbour Board (an elective and nominative body) purchased the » wharf from the Council for L 64,000, which included the Queen’s Bond. Since the Board has had control of the wharf they have gradually extended and improved it until- it is now admitted to be the largest and best appointed wharf in the colonies. The superficial area of the wharf when taken over by tbe Board in 1881 was 95,000 ft, and is now 183,440 ft. In 1881 2390 ft (lineal) was available for berthage, and there is now 3432 ft. The area under sheds in 1881 was 19,000 ft ; in 1889, 50,000 ft. The gross capacity of (

the sheds is 642,600 cubic feet, and in 1881 Avas 198,0u9 cubic feet. Up till the end of the year 1889 L 128,898 was the capital expi-n'ii ure for extension, repairs, maintenance of wharves, miscellaneous works in harbour, etc. The Railway Wharf, builc by the Government, was handed over 10 the Board as an endowment. In 1882 the Board’s revenue was L 28,226, and its expenditure on working account L 23 073, the capital expenditure being L6OBS. Last year tlie revenue was and t he expenditure on working account, L 46 SSO. v»ud on capital expenditure L 20.423. The amount written off for depreev't 01. since the Board was constituted is L38;415! IMPORTS AND EXPORTS. Imports. Exports. 1883 ’ L 1,047,302 L 1,269,389 A RELIC OF ’FORTY-ONE.

The estimate of expenditure for the year beginning 2nd Mav, 1841, Avas £50,922 3s 4d, made upas follows £ s. d.

HEAD LINES OF HEW ZEALAND HISTORY. Tasman discovered New Zealand in 1642, and C >ok explored it in 1769, D’Urville being on tbs coast in the lastmentioned year. Two French ships, under Marion du Fresne, anchored in the Bay of Islands two years later, and had an encounter with the Maoris, caused by the French breaking the tapn. In 1791 Vancouver put into Dusky Bay. Whalers plied their vocation around the Haw Zealand coast from 1794, and numerous Europeans settled among the Maoris. In 1814 the Rev. Simuel Marsden, Colonial Chaplain of Hew South Wales, established a mission at the. Bay of Islands. At this time the Maori population was between 100,000 and 110,000. Hongi, “the Napoleon of New Zealand,” having been home to England (where he was presented to George IV.), in 3820, acquired a large quantity of guns, with ammunition, etc., and upon his return, made war at Ihe head of his people, the Ngapuhi, on the other Maoris, and defeated tribe after tribe with terrible slaughter. " ’ • '■ - Rauparaha conquered the coast from the Mokau south in 1817, and settled at Waikanae. Mr Leigh established a AVesleyan mission at Whangaroa in 1822. The French corvette Favorite visited Hokianga in 1831, and rumours were rife that the French Government intended to enforce the claims of the Baron do Thierry, a voting Frenchman who claimed to have bought a largo area of land from Hongi when the latter was in England. The Maori chiefs,- in dread, of “ the tribe or Marion,” met at K-rikeri and petitioned King William IV. to take them under his protection. In consequence, Mr James Bu3by,- a Hew South Wales settler, was appointed British Resident in this Colony, and arrived in May, 1833, taking up his residence at Paiha, near the River Waitangi. To Whero Whero (Waikato) attacked the Hgatiawa at New Plymouth in 1831, and forced them to join their chief, Wi Kingi te Raugitak.-, who had joined Rauparaha in the southern part of the island. B »ron de Thierry, arriving at_ Tahiti in 1835 issued thence a proclamation of hi 3 intention to assume possession of the land, and declaring himself sovereign chief of New Zealand and king of Nukuhiva. Mr Busby called the chiefs together, when they declared their independence, th.e adoption of a Constitution, and creation of a Parliament. They adopted a Hew Zealand flag, Avhieh was saluted by H.M S. Alligator. Theßarou landed at Hokianga Hovember, 1837, with eighty, men, all of whom took work in the neighbourhood, Tne Baron settled at Hokianga, and made no further claim. He died iu 1861. Bishop Pompallier established a Roman Catholic mission at Hokianga in 1837, and the Rev Octavius (now Bishop Had field) opened the Church Mission’s first station at Cook Strait, in 1838. _ Colonel Wakefield, representative of the Haw Zealand Company, arrived at Port Hicholson, August, 1839, and the Aurora, with the Company’3 first immigrants, January 22, 1840. Captain Hobson, appointed British Consul, landed at the Bay of Islands, January 29, 1840. The sovereignty of the Queen over New Zealand was proclaimed May 21, 1840, nearly 500 signatures having been obtained to the Treaty of Waitangi. On the 17th of June sovereignty was also proclaimed over the Middle and Stewart Islands. Hearing that tbe Nanto-Bordelaise Company were sending French immigrants out to Banks Peninsula, Captain Hobson sent magistrates to the South >•«-!.. rpr-c-e functionaries had been tu.ec - ii!y iiv.f.dAys when the French man of war l’Aube, and the Comte de Paris, arrived with immigrants. After some negotiations the immigrants were

allowed to remain at Alcaroa under British protection, and thus the French settlement was formed. New Zealand was freed from Now South Wales November 1840, and created a separate Colony, the North Island being; called New Ulster, the Middle Island New Munster, and Stewart Island New Leinster. Captain Hobson was appointed first Governor.

The Governor purchased To Whoro Whero’s alleged claim to land in Taranaki 1841. The Princess Royal being born in this year, Port Nicholson settlers sent an address of congratulation to the Queen. Mr (afterwards Sir) William Martin, Chief Justice, and Mr Swanson arrived in the Colony in 1841, and the Legislative Council held its first sitting. Maketu was hanged in 1841 for tho murder of widow Robertson, her two children, man servant, and a Native child at Rotorua.

Captain Hobson died September 10, 1840. The Natives, in an address to the Queen, asked her to send as Governor “a good man, like the Governor who has just died.” Lieutenant Shortland became acting Governor. Bishop Selwvn arrived in New Zealand, May, 1842. Captain Wakefield was shot at Wairau, June, 1843. Captain Fitzroy (said to be a descendant of the Royal Stuarts) assumed the governorship, December, 1843. On September, 28, 1844, Customs duties were abolished, and a property and income-tax substituted. The Crown’s pre-emptive right over certain lands was also waived, the purchaser to have Crown grant on payment to Goveipmeut of a fee of one penny per acre.. Heke’s war began' when his ’men. cut down the flagstaff at Kororareka for the second time, January, 1845, and lasted till January, 1846, when sued to Governor Grey for peace. The original Taranaki Natives returned from slavery in the Waikato and resided in the South in 1844, and refused to abide by Mr Spain’s award of 60,000 acres to the New Zealand Companj 7 . This prompted the Taranaki war, Debentures of 5s and upwards, bearing interest 5 per cent, were issued in 1844. Captain (now Sir) George Grey superseded Captain Fitzroy, November 14, 1845. He called in the L 37,000 worth of debentures in circulation, and ended Heke’s war as stated.

The Governor came to Wellington and Beized Rauparaha, 1846. The Governor decided to annul Fitzroy’s Crown grants to blocks exceeding 2560 acres, but that course was ruled ultra vire3 by the Supreme Court. The Court decided on a .test case, that Crown grants under Fitzroy’s proclamation were void. -

The European population in 1847 was 15,000, exclusive of the military and their families (about 2500). A charter wa3 granted to New Zealand in 1846, dividing the Colony into two provinces, each to have a House of Representatives, Legislative Council, Governor, and Lieutenant-Governor. A General Assembly of a House of Representatives and Legislative Council and the Governor-in-Chief was to govern the whole Colony—members of the House to be elected by the Provincial Houses, and the Legislative Council by the Crown from the Provincial Legislative Councils. Captain Grey was appointed Governor of the provinces and Governor-in-Chief. Mr Edward John Eyre was appointed Lieu-tenant-Governor of both provinces. The charter was soon afterward suspended for five years, on Governor Grey’s recommendation. ‘ r" .

The first settlers lanced at Port Chalmers March, 1848, under Captain Cargill, agent of the Free Church Association. The Canterbury Association’s first settlers landed at Lyttelton, December, 1850. In November, 1848, the Governor convened the Legislative Council of the Colony to meet in Wellington, where an ordinance was passed by which each province was to have a Legislature consisting of the official Provincial Executive and members nominated by the Governor. The new Council of New Munster met at Wellington, 1848. The Imperial Government continued to contribute L 39,000 per year to the expenses of the Colony, and paid the cost of military and naval wars, etc. The General Council (consisting of fifteen persons, eleven of whom were officials), met June, 1851, and passed a Land Fund Appropriation Ordinance authorising the apportionment of part of the land fund to support of borough councils to be formed under the charter of 1846.

In 1851 a constitution was granted to New Zealand, provinces and provincial governments were created and members elected. The European population was then 27,633 —Auckland, 9774 ; Wellington. 6446; Nelson, 4587 ; Canterbury, 3300; Otago, 1780; New Plymouth, 1746. The Imperial grant had been reduced in 1852 to LIO,OOO per year, exclusive of cost of forces. In 1853 the grant was L 5090, and was the last paid. Forty thousand acres w;ere fenced at this time, 15,000 acres being under crop, and 15,000 acres in grass. There were 35,000 head of cattle in the Colony and 300,000 sheep. The House of Representatives and Legislative Council, the former elected by the people, and the latter nominated by the Crown, met at Auckland, May, 1854, Acting-Goverqor Wynyard (commander of the troops) having succeeded Sir George Grey. A . 3 the result of Mr Gibbon Wakefield’s

protest aghinst nominees acting as the Governor’s Executive, Messrs J. E. FitzGerald, Sewell, Wold and Bartley were aided to the Executive, but resigned after seven weeks in office. Strained relations followed between the Acting Governor and Parliament on account of the former being in consultation with Mr Wakefield. On tho 37th of August the doors were locked to prevent a prorogation message being brought in. Mr Mackay, a Nelson member, brought the message in, keeping his hat on in doing so. Mr Mackay’s hat was knocked off, and he was adjudged guilty of contempt. When the new session began, on the 31st of August, Messrs Forsaith. Travers, Macandrew, and Jerningham Wakefield were called to the Executive Council. These gentlemen resigned three days later, and the Acting Governor promised to endeavonr to influence the Home authorities to give the Colony responsible government. This was granted, and was announced when Parliament was prorogued ou September 16. Governor Browne arrived in Auckland September 14, 1855, and on the 10th of May, 1856, the first responsible Government was formed, and was defeated on a motion moved by Dr Campbell, Superintendent of Auckland. They remained in office until defeated by Mr W. Fox on the 17th. Mr Fox took office for a week or two, and was then defeated by Mr Stafford, who formed a Ministry. Gold was first exported in 1857, the return being L 40,482. To Whero Whero (Potatau) was installed Maori King July, 1857. Two years later the Taranaki war began. A. loan of L 150.000 for war purposes was proposed in 1860, and in the same year the Provincial Government obtained an Act authorising construction of a tunnel railway from Lyttelton to Christchurch. A loan of L 300,000 had already been authorised for this work. The Taranaki disturbance was settled in 1861.

Sir George Grey returned to the Colony as Governor in 1861.

Gold having oeen discovered in Otago in 1861, the population of that province rose to 115,000 in 1862. Roadmaking was proceeded with, and Native magistrates and assessors were appointed. The Assembly met at Wellington on the 7th July, 1862, and Mr Fox resigned in consequence of certain resolutions proposed by him only being carried by the casting vote of the Speaker. A coalition Government, with Mr Domett, succeeded him. The Customs revenue for this year was L 340.000, of which Otago contributed L 134,000. The Treasurer, Mr Dillon Bell, proposed a loan of a million for colonisation and immigration. Mr Bell, retiring, wai succeeded by Mr Reader Wood, who proposed a loan of half a million only, of which L 200,000 was to relieve the Taranaki settlers, and the balance to make roads and meet the Imperial Government’s claims for military advances. This was authorised. The number of members of the House was now 57. This session passed an Act authorising the establishment of Native Land Courts. In 1863 the Waikato war broke out, and there was fighting in Taranaki also. A further loan of three miliums was authorised, and Mr Reader Wood proceeded to England to negotiate it. The Waikato war ended in the following year. The Hauhaus, had now sprung into existence and continued until 1869.

In 1864 an agitation to remove the seat of Government to Wellington was very Btrong, and Auckland, opposed to the proposal, talked of forming itself into a separate Colony. The change was made, and in November, 1864, the seat of Government was removed to Wellington. the first Parliament meeting there in July, 1865. Several changes of Government had taken place in the meantime. The number of members of the House was increased to 72 in this year. Mr Fitzherberr, the Treasurer, in 1865, proposed, as part of his policy, tfcai; no fresh loans should be contracted, and that stamp duties should be levied. It was decided, upon Mr "Vogel’s proposal, in 1867, to consolidate all provincial and general loans, and that they should be assumed by the Government. Mr Fitzherbort proceeded to England to negotiate the consolidated loan. Sir George Bowen succeeded Sir George Grey as Governor, February, 1868. During 1868 Maori troubles broke out again on the West and East Coast, and the Poverty Bay massacre took place. The importsdecreased over two millions from 1864 to 1868.

The public works policy—involving the borrowing often millions—was carried by Mr Vogel, then Colonial Treasurer under Mr Fox.

Sir George Grey took his seat in the House as member for Auckland City West in 1875, and in that year the Bill for abolition of the provinces was carried. At this point we leave the history of the Colony. Our effort has been to condense within a very short space a few of the most notable events in this Colony’s history. Events of later date than abolition are recent enough, doubtless, to be fresh in the memories of the people. GOVERNORS AND ADMINISTRATORS. Hobson, Captain, R.N., January, 1840, to September, 1842 (died). Shortland, Lieutenant, R.M., Adminis-

trator, September, 1842, to December, 1843. Fitzroy, Captain, R.N., December, 1843, to November, 1845. Grey, Sir George, November, 1845, to December, i 853. Eyre. E. J., Lieutenant Governor of New Mun ster, to January, 1848. Pitt, M;*jor - General, Lieutenant Governor of New Ulster, January, 1848, to January, 1851 (died). Wynyard, Lieutenant - Colonel, Lieutenant - Governor of New Ulster, April, 1851. to March, 1853, Administrator January, 1854, to September, 1855. Browne, Colonel Gore, September, 1855, to October, 3861. Grey, Sir George, October, 1861, to February, 1868. Bowen, Sir George, February, 1868, to March, 1871. Arney, Sir George (Chief Justice), Administrator, March to June, 1873. Fergusson, Sir James, June, 1873, to December, 1874. Normanby, Marquis of, December, 1874, to February, 1879. Prendergast, Sir James (Chief Justice), . Administrator, February to March, 1879. Robinson, Sir Hercules, March, 1872, to September, 1880. Prendergast, Sir James, Administrator, September to November, 1880. Gordon, Sir Arthur, November, 1880, to

June, 1882 - Prendergasf, Sir James, June, 1882, to January, 1883. Jervois, Sir William, January, 1883, to March 1, 1889. Prendergast, Sir Janies, Administrator, March to May, 1889, Onslow, Earl of, May, 3889. By the charter of 1846 the Colony was divided into two provinces—New Ulster (the northern half of the North Islaud) and Now Munster (the rest of the Colony).

THEN AND NOW. THE PROGRESS OF FIFTY YEARS. The statistics of 1840 are very meagre and insufficient for comparison with those of the present times. On the other hand, in some cases the latest statistical information available is not made up to 1889. The figures beloxv, consequently, apply in some cases to a later period than 1840, or an earlier one than 1889, but they give generally an accurate idea of the progress of the Colony since its foundation in 1840. Population (exclusive of Maoris). 1840 ... 2,050 | 1888 ... 607,380 Live Stock. ‘No return was made in 1840. In May, 1889, there were 15,423,328 sheep in the Colony. In March, 1886, there xvere 853,358 head of horned cattle, 277,901 pigs, and 10,220 goats. In February, 1889, there were 189,214 dairy cows in the Colony. Imports. Exports. 1841 ... £133,358 ... £17,717 1889 ... £6,297,097 ... £9,168,667 • Customs ' Revenue. * 1841 £3,073 1889 £1,464,953 In 1888 there were 4790 miles of telegraph line in the Colony ; 1772 miles of railway open ; £2,048,441 to credit of Savings Banks’ depositors ; 451 friendly societies ; 1128 State schools, with 112,685 scholars ; and 65 Native schools, with 2512 pupils. THE DEMONSTRATION. A glorious morning ! The sky clear and blue, with not a speck of cloud to prompt unpleasant forebodings. The sun Bhedding its warmth and brightening influence on the city and suburbs —on the waters of Port Nicholson, the white valley of the Hutt, and the dark blue ranges running down to Pencarrow Head. The city itself a picture of gaiety, with flags floating, and shops and houses decorated with greenery and appropriate devices. That is what Wellington saw when it woke on Wednesday morning on the fiftieth birthday of the Colony. A better day could not have been desired. At a very early hour people began to congregate in the vicinity of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company’s reclaimation, where the procession was to be formed. As the morning wore on carts and lorries carrying tableaux representing various trades, friendly societies, etc., found their way to the locality, until at 11 o’clock the reclamation was covered with people aod vehicles —a living holiday picture. The first business was the judging of carts, prizes being offered for those best dressed. A number of vehicles very tastefully decorated were submitted to the judges (Messrs C. W. Benbow, J. Woods, J. Hicks, and MoEwen), who, after due consideration, awarded first prize to the Happy Valley Meat Company’s care. Thisoart was a mass of flower work, horses and vehicle alike being decorated in beautiful style. Over the driver’s head the Royal Arms were exhibited; and another feature of the arrangement was a chair made of bones, on which sat the prettiest of pretty little girls. Second prize waß awarded to the exhibit of Messrs Rowe and Sons (who had two carts on the ground), and third to a milk cart shown by Mr A. Williams, of Courtenay Place. A special prize was awarded to Mrs Brodie for a cart dressed very nicely, and packed with aerated waters that looked cruelly tempting on such a hot morning. “ The original carrier,” Mr T. Hunt, was also to the fore with two excellent vans. The secretary of the procession committee, Mr Crichton, deserves great credit for the energy with which all his arrangements were carried out. It is sufficient to say that the result of the labours

of Mr Crichton and his committee, and the chief marshal, Mr J. Clark, was unquestionably the best'managed procession ever seen in Wellington. Shortly before 12 o’clock the procossiou started, the Protestant Band in the van of the school children Dear the Government Buildings. The young folks mustered in great force, and it is estimated that they numbered about 5300, representing the Clyde Quay, Mount Cook, Newtown, Vogeltown, Kilbirnie, Te Aro, Terraoe, Thorndon, Wadestown, and Kaiwhara schools. A drum and fife baud also accompanied them. Mr Campion’s tableau, “ 1840,” followed, and then came the old settlers. Such old settlers—pioneers of civilisation, proud in the possession of many reminiscences of stirring events by flood and field; of Natives dreaded ana Natives trusted, and of townships founded and fostered. Many of these old gentlemen arrived by the New Zealand Company’s first ship, the Aurora, exactly 50 years ago, and one— Vir Charles William Keys—was on board the Cuba (survey ship) when she came into Port Nicholson, on the 3rd of January, 1840. Very proud Mr Charles William Keys looked, sitting on the box seat of a cab and carrying the New Zealand Company’s flag. In the cab with him were several other old identities, Mr John Howard Wallace (Aurora, IS4O I ; Mr P. Hume, of the Wairarapa (Lady Lilford, 1840); Mr John Harding, of Mount Vernon,, Waipukurau (Berman, (842); and Mr Henry Collett, of Pxtone (London, 1840.) Behind this cab was another containing Mr D. Lewis (Oriental, 1840) and four ladies who were also among the earliest settlers, namely, Mrs Robert Burgess, of Johnsonville (Aurora, 1840) ; and Mrs James Caldera, Mrs Gee, and Mrs Coltnan, three sisters who came ont by the Blenheim in 1840, landed at K aiwhara, and have lived there ever since. It is gratifying to be able to say that all these people looked hale,and strong, and fit even now for work. A leading pioneer was Mr J. Gell, gorgeous in a Maori mat thrown over his ordinary clothing. The first person from Britannia (Pitone) was also present, in the person of Captain Holmes (until recently pilot in this port)’ who acted as marshal of the old settlers. Past Mayors, and the present occupant of the office, Mr C. J. Johnston, came next, with the members of the City Council (*ho were accompanied by “the Father of Wellington,” Mr John Plimmer, and Mr George Allen), members of the Harbour Board, numeroua citizens, and the General Committee.

The Natives did not make a great show numerically in the procession, for although hundreds came into town from the coast up as far as Rangitikei and Manawatu, and also from the Hutt and Wairarapa, the greater portion of them played the part of sightseers aad holiday-makers. Those who took part in the procession, however, were the leading men of the district. Major Kemp, of Wanganui, wa3 there ; also Piripi te Masri (Wairarapa), Mawhini Hobna (Pitone), WiHapi Pakau (Hutt, representative of the late Wi Tako), Hone Mason (Manawatu), Patara, Makaere Maru and Aperahama (Wairarapa). Another notable visitor was Mr Hare Hongi, a direct descendant of “ the Napoleon of New Zealand, ” and himself a highly educated and intelligent citizen. The Natives were marshaled by Mr Jacob Heberley, a son of the first pilot at Picton, James Heberley. Following the Natives was the Pauatahanui Band, after whom came the trades emblems, of which there was a remarkably fine display. The bakers, arrayed in their white aprons and caps, had a fine lorrie fitted up to represent a bakery, with oven (of olden style), and everything else complete, and with loaves of various sizes and shapes, bags of flour from all the bakers’ shops in town, and weddiDg cakes nice enough to drive irresponsible bachelors into wedlock. The boilermakers’ tableau was a workshop, and the bootmakers had two, excellently arranged—one as a making and finishing shop, and the other as •* the upper department.” All the bootmakers’ bannerettes were of leather, and the whole concern was headed by “King Crispin” (Mr R. MoCleary). The Butobers, headed by the Happy Valley Company’s champion cart, made a great show, about 50 carts and riders representing that very necessary industry. The Plumbers, Tiußtniths, and Gasfitters’ Union had a lorry in which all the latest improvements in the different branches of their business were shown ; and the Federated Seamen’s Union and Tailors, who were next in order, were also well represented. The Typographical Society had a lorie on which they exhibited the complete process of printing, from “setting up” to “ striking off,” on an ancient prose. A small pictorial sheet, depicting the progress of Wellington in 50 years, was ostensibly printed in this way, and was distributed among the spectators as the procession moved along. The Garrison Baud came next to the printers, and after them were a large number of wharf labourers, whose Union had a lorrie showing lumpers manipulating bales of wool and flax. The Wellington Woollen Company contributed two lorries, one of which held a large assortment of the Company’s manufactures shawls, tweeds, wool, etc., displayed to the very best advantage, while the other conveyed a loom in work. The Harbour Board’s pilot service lorrie was a first -olass representation. The pilot boat, carrying the Union Jack at the bow, the New Zealand ensign at the stern, and numerous other flags, was mounted on a wagon dressed in national colours with great taste. The boat was completely manned (Pilot Shilling being steer oarsman), and all the crew wore lifebelts, Decidedly a feature of the procession was the Fire Brigade’s turn out, which consisted of five vohicles. The first was the old-style engine in use in 1840, and made by Sh»nd and Mason (there is one of the same type in Napier now that was made in 1830), with one brigade-man of that day, attired in the blue jumper and white trou3era of his period). The second vehicle carried a transparency which was’ painted by Mr T. R. Hislop for display at the time of the Duke of Edinburgh’s nwt to-Wellington, and which bears the RigaoeL motto, •* We strive to save.” For the purpose of contrast, a hose reel of the most modern style followed, and the Brigade s cart Eoapned by its representative team for

1890, with Captain Kemsley. The salvage brake made up a most interesting display. Just before the procession started, a lorrie hung with seaweed, and manned by several canvas-clothed individuals who appeared to deal in hose and many uncommon-looking articles, hove insight. Becoming centre of attraction, these nautical gentlemen admitted with a frankness that does them credit that they were divers. They had come in from tho wreck of the Willie McLaren, at Worser Bay, to show themselves, and very highly they were appreciated.

The rest of the procession was made up of the Johnsonville Band, Friendly Sooieties and Lodges, Jenkins’ Band, private carts, and Mr Campion’s tableau, “J 890.” The Friendly Societies made a very fine show with their gay regalia, their great banners, and their emblems. It seems invidious to single out any one for special mention where all were excellent, but it ought to be said that the Druids’ two emblems—representing the lodgeroom and the Druidical Order—were especially well displayed, and made a very imposing sight. The other lodges’ embleaiß were all arranged in the beat of taste.

The maypole dancers, under the command of Mr R. P. Johnson, deserve a paragraph to themselves. They occupied a car of their own, and were located next to the old settlers. The costumes of the dancers were varied in colour and device as usual, and a notable feature was the representation of.Captain Cook (Master August Eller) and his lieutenant (Master Max Eller), two little gentlemen, who did their part in perfect style, and becoming exceedingly popular with the pioneers, who made desperate efforts to get the great captain for the box seat of their cab. “New Zealand” was represented by Miss Lizzie Gentles, and Miss Nellie Norton was the May Queen. As the procession made its way through the streets, which were deoorated with flags, etc., enormous crowds of people lined the route and bestowed generous applause upon the most notable features. The cheers with which the old settlers and the Maoris were greeted demonstrated the existence of a most gratifying spirit of patriotism. Indeed, the proceedings everywhere were most enthusiastic. The route was by way of Willis-street, Manners-street, Cuba-street, Vivian-street, Tory-Btreet, and Buckle-street to the western or main gate of the Basin Reserve. It is estimated that over 10,000 persons took part in the procession, and there were over 15,000 spectators. The streets were crowded everywhere, and there were people at every window, on every verandah, and on the roofs of many of the buildings all along the route. Some idea of the length of the procession may be gathered from the fact that it took three quarters of an hour to paBS any one point, and reached from the New Zealand Times Office into Tory-street (from Vivian-street), LOYAL ADDRESS TO THE QUEEN. The procession filed slowly into the Basin Reserve, the children, who reached it firat, being stationed on the slopes in front and at the sides of the grandstand. And a beautiful picture they made—over five thousand clean, healthy youngsters, all chattering at the same time (though good order was preserved), with mugs thrown over their shoulders, and mouths and eyes wide open. The others who took part in the procession moved down on to the level sward, and immediately in front of the stand a square was formed of the early settlers and Maoris, friendly societies, etc. A detachment of the Naval Brigade, under Captain Duncan, formed a guard of honour. His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Lord Carrington (Governor of New Soueh Wales), and Rear Admiral Charles Scott, with their respective suites, arrived on the ground shortly before 2 p.m. The distinguished party were received at the Northern gate by his Worship the Mayor and the memberß of the City Council, and conducted to the square. The Mayor having intimated to his Exoellency that the City Council were desirous of presenting an address to the Queen, through the Governor of the Colony, requested the flown Clerk (Mr Page) to read the municipal document referred to, and which ran as follows : “To the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty. “We, your Majesty’s most humble and dutiful subjects, the Mayor, Councillors, and citizens of the City of VVellington, assembled together on the 22nd dav of January, 1890, in celebratiou of the 50fch anniversary of the establishment of the Colony of New Zealand, desire to approach your Majesty with a message of congratulation, for we celebrate to-day the Jubilee of a community whose work was almost contemporaneous with your Majesty’s accession to the throne, and which, after successfully passing through the difficulties and vicissitudes attendant ou any colony of enterprise or magnitude, now fairly represents that solid progress in soienoe and advanced civilisation which marks your Majesty’s reign as being without parallel in history. “We desire to assure your Majesty that the sentiments of loyalty to your Majesty's throne and person which animated those pioneer settlers, who from this city in the month of July, 1840, addressed your Majesty through his Excellency Captain Hobson, the then Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony, are still strong with us, and not less so than in any other pare of your Majesty’s vast dominions. “ And in conclusion we earnestly pray that your Majesty may long be spared to continue the beneficent and enlightened reign under which the present prosperity of this Colony has been achieved.” [The address has been suitably illuminated by Mr Bock.] His Exoellency replied as fo lows : “Your Worshio and gentlemen, —The document which you have just handed to me, Sir. is addressrd, not to the Queen’s representative in Now Zealand, but to her Majesty tho Queen herself, and you will not, i herefore, expect me to make any reference to its contents. I feel 1 shall best fulfil your wishes by forwarding it at once to her Majeaty by the next mail. But let me say how happy I am to ba oneb more in Welling.

ton, after having visited the greater portion of the other island. It now only remains for mo, before 1 return to take np tny iesi. deuce here, in oirdet to be able to claim that biiowledge of the Qolony and its inhabitants ■vUilcb a Governdr ought to possess, to Visit at greater leisure those parts bf this island which my hurried journey, to assume the Government and take up my residence here; has prevented me from doingi I rejoice to see this large number of happy children here to.day, into whose hands the future of New Zealand must be entrusted, and into whose minds you are so wisely endeavouring to instil patriotism for New Zealand, pride in their English nationality, and loyalty to her Majesty the Queen.” At the invitation of the Mayor hearty cheers were then given for the Governors of New Zealand and New South Wales, and for Rear-Admiral Scott. Mrs Epuni, widow of the deceased Pitone chief, and her daughter were presented to his Excellency ; also several early settlers. The vice-regal party afterward proceeded to the foot of the grandstand, and remained there until the children, under the conductorship of Mr F. Hillman, had sung the National Anthem, a hymn sung by the Pioneer settlers on their landing at Britannia (Pitone) on the 22nd January, IS4O and the “Jubilee Hymn,” written by Mr Herbert Bridge, Before leaving the ground Mr R. P. Johnson asked the Mayoress (Mrs C. J. Johnston) to crown the “ May Queen ” (Miss Nellie Norton). Whilst accomplishing this ceremony, Mrs Johnston expressed the hope that her youthful majesty would live long enough to witness the centennial of the Colony. The Beadle “(Mr Johhson) having called for oheers for the Governor, the Mayoress, and Lord Carrington, which were heartily given, the viceregal party left the ground. At their carriages Mr Thomas McKenzie, hon secretary of the General Committee, sought and obtained permission to introduce Major Kemp and several other Maori chiefs and their wives.

CHILDREN’S SPORTS. • During the afternoon the children’s sports were carried, out. Having been provided with refreshments, the youugsters spread over the Reserve, and the sports were proceeded with. Competition was keen, and if no records were broken the times were invariably good. Following are the results : Boys (100yds)—Between 12 and 14 years of age, W, Cowan, 1; D. Kelly,. 2. Be' tween IQ and 12 years, J. Gardner, 1 ; B. Waghorn, 2. Between 8 and 10 years, P. Levy, 1 ; 'J. Kelly and W. Marchant tied for second place. Wheelbarrow Race—Between 14 and 16 years, J. Key and R. O’ls'eil, 1 ; W. Billman and J - Chisholm, 2. Between 12 and -14 years, R. Russell and A. Upchurch, 1 ; A, King and J. McAlpine, 2. Between 10 and 12 years—F. Qarratt and P. Kelly, 1 j W. Cairnbent and B. Helyer, 2, Between 8 and 10 A. Burton and A. Buck, 1 ; J. Hancock and G. Bott, 2. Three-legged Race, between 14 and 16 years —W. Patrick and W. Bowden, 1 ; W. Craig and T. Key, 2. Between 12 and 14 years— J. and P. Skelly, 1 ; R. O’Neil and H. Simpson, 2. TeD to 12 years—R. McNair and W. Wallace, 1 ; A. Pedder and H. Villers, 2. Eight to 10 years—J. Barr and T. Robertson, 1 ; C. Skelly and A. Griffiths, 2. Backward Ruce, 14 to 16 years—H. G. Hawthorne, 1;P. C. Benzoni, 2. Twelve to 1.4 years—R. O’Neill, 1 ; P. Skelly, 2. Ten to 12 years —H. Clark, 1 ; E. Connor, 2. Eight po 10 years rr-C. Cowan, 1; H. Williamson, 2. Girls 8 races, Only three out of six of these events could be got off, owing to the very large number of oompetiters. Ip some cases it was necessary to ruu no fewer than 9 and 10 heats to decide one event. All those events that were unfinished were to be completed on the Basin Reserve next morning, commencing at 9 a.m. The finished races are as follow :—looyds Race, ages 14 to 16—Connie Briggs, 1 ; B. Mitchelson, 2. Eight to 10 Mary Allan, 1; Florrie Edwards, 2, Twelve to 14 Bridget {Celling, 1; Kate Lewis, 2. Three-armed race, 8 to 10 years Emily Fogherty and M. Purcell, 1; H, and M. Bunckerbprg, 2, Ten to lg, Emma and Clara Briggs, 1 ; Jane Dalton and Hora Sowerby, 2 ; 12 to 14 years—Jane Liddel and M. Round, 1 ; Amy Pickering and Amelia George, 2 ; J 4 to 1.6 years—Polly Plunkett and E. Henderson, 1. Fifty yards race, 8 to 10 years—Amelia George, 1 ; Doily Driscoll, 2 ; I.Q to 12 years—Connie Briggs, 1 ; Annie Edwards, 2 ; 12 to 14 years—Jane Liddel, 1 $ Ella Collins, 2 ; 14 to 16 years—Mary Plankett,, 1 j Jj- Fitzsimmons, 2THE EVENING PROCESSION was in nearly all respects similar to that of the morning, with the exception that those trades and Friendly Societies which had marched in the van now walked In the rear, and in addition many of the vans carrying the trades tableaux bore appropriate transparencies. The printers, more especially, may be congratulated on the fact that, although they had wrought hard and loyally throughout the

earlier portion of the day, they were not di&copraged at the heavy night’s work in front of them, That they were not discouraged may be gathered from the fact £fjafc as soon as the peripetetic Caytcnians -*■vtted 00© “stick,” they Bmilingly faced em t fojf ft frgfh “ take.’ In fact, the copy ... —«-kot* with a will, the “galley” slaves wu. •- *~bt nofc and, so far as was known, at midn* s .. one of the craft, though possibly they had been planed down, had been “locked up.” The bootmakers, likewise, worked under the green canopy of their portable workshop, and, evidently inspired by the untiring energy of their patron, St Crispin—who, on loot, led the van of the cordwainers—appeared determined to “last ” till further orders. The bakers next put in an appearance, and an exceedingly creditable display. The iron-workers and boiler-makers next made their appearance, and after a shorfi time very successfully succeeded jjh forging a link in the chain of evidence ■which, will, it is hoped, puzzle the most ,®*pii|enfi lawyer to “unweld. ” The Municipal r Fira Brigade Apparently but only

apparently—scattered fire broadcast “be. fore them, behind, and on every hand.” The wily dreraiser, Captain Reinsley, howevor, evidently possessed a considerable amount of method in his apparent,endeavour) inasmuch as he—metaphorically speaking, (.f course—stamped out each fire as it boedrred in the line of ibarch ; and, singular to say, iii doing so he very kindly gave an “alarm,” notwithstanding that at every step he took he encountered a bellei THE ILLUMINATIONS. Down along tne route taken by the procession until Manners and Wiliie.streets were reached, bub little in the way of illuminations were to be observed. A few and exceedingly few—private houses were lighted up by means of candles iu the windows, and it was not until the establishment of Messrs Veitch 3nd Allen, linen drapers, at the corner of (Juba and Vivian-sfcreets, was reached that any pretentious display had been made. The firm here referred to had made extensive preparations with regard to iliumination. and the effect was satisfactory. A chain of Chinese lanterns, stretched across the street from the White Swan Hotel to the house opposite, was highly effective. Over Mr A. J. Bennett’s ironmongery shop there was displayed a brilliant transparency, bearing the motto “Prosperity to our Liverpool.” It yet remains a profound mystery really where “ our Liverpool ” lies, but perhaps this does not matter very much. Mr H. C. Haseldeti, stationer, had a pretty and ingenious illumination in his windows, and the same remark applies to the proprietor of the Nng’s Head Hotel. Crossing Cuna-street into Manners.street, the eye was attracted by a chain of lamps crossing the street from the Gulcher Electric Light Company’s station. The Municipal Fire Brigade Company had really a beautiful and artistic display in front of their Te Aro Station. The lights took the shape of a partly-coloured pyramid, the result being highly effective. The *• only Flockton ” shone out with a brilliancy which almost eclipsed any of his previous efforts in this direction. His neighbour, Mr Henry Fielder, not to be outdone in the zenith of his fame, displayed in the exuberance of his loyalty a correct portrait of her Majesty. That excessively loyal corporate body known as the Working Men’s Club almost eclipsed themselves. Mr H. W. Hall, dentis’, struggled - and successfully struggled with 50,000 parti-colourert oil la-mpa (more or less). Mr Hall, although his mottoes were decidedly brilliant, was somewhat unfortunate, inasmuch as, do as he would, his efforts, by reason of the wind, were in a degree unrewarded. At leugth Mr Hall gave up—not in despair—but he gave up, as also did his lamplighter, who, later on—but, no—under existing legislative circumstances it ipay perhaps be better to write no more. Brown;and Kitto displayed a suitable design, ps also did Mr Thjpmas Ballinger, gasfitter ; and, opposite, Mr Gilmer modestly displayed a string of Chinese lanterns. The Evening Post’s was really a beautiful display, and reflected great credit on Mr J. E. Hayes. This remark may indeed in an equal degree apply to the illuminations of all the nowspaper offices, which were carried out by Mr Hayes in a satisfactory manner. In Featherstonstreet, Messrs Castendyke and Focke were amongst the most conspicuous illuminants. But good as these Illuminations were, they were altogether eclipsed by those of Messrs Johnston and Co. The designs and the tout ensemble were sufficiently good, heightened as they were by the light behind them. But, beyond all, the gas and gljtter there was a sermop. As we have already in our Jubilee summary elsewhere given in full the figures portrayed by the firm in question, nothing need further be said, To a practical mind, and to the mind of a patriot, the figures— pregnant as they are of the fpture welfare of the Colony—cannot but prove of the greatest interest. The Rumination of Messrs Johnston’s establishment possessed the feature of novelty, but it also possessed a great deal more. The illumination carried out by this firm may be considered the very best advertisement the Colony yet has had. Messis Hill and Sons, Nelson, Moate and Co., the proprietor of the City Buffet, and Mr Hayes’ establishment on Lambton quay were befittingly illuminated. The office of the Ne\v Zealand Times was also illuminated. The City Fathers contented themselves with the display of a transparency which bore the city arrps.

Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1870 ... 4,716 9 5 4,740 5 8 1889 ... 60,112 2 6 79,811 13 5

Governor and Judge 2200 0 0 Civil establishment 16,609 16 10 Survey Department ... 6164: 12 6 Public Works Department 5354 0 0 Judicial establishment 3068 11 3 Police and gaols 7957 9 3 Ecclesiastical estabhshnient 450 0 0 Schools 140 0 0 Miscellaneous .... 8977 13 6 £50,922 3 4